No, brass knuckles are classified as offensive weapons under Portuguese law, making their possession, sale, or use illegal without explicit authorization. The Código Penal (Penal Code) and Lei de Segurança Interna (Internal Security Law) prohibit carrying such items in public, with violations punishable by fines or imprisonment. Recent 2026 amendments to the Regulamento de Armas (Firearms Regulation) have expanded enforcement, targeting even historical or decorative pieces.
Key Regulations for Brass Knuckles in Portugal
- Prohibition under Penal Code: Article 210 criminalizes possession of brass knuckles as “armas brancas” (edged weapons), with penalties up to 3 years imprisonment if deemed intent to harm exists.
- Internal Security Law (Law 53/2008): Mandates police authority to confiscate items during routine checks, even in private residences, if deemed a public safety risk.
- 2026 Regulamento de Armas Updates: New clauses classify brass knuckles as “armas de uso proibido,” requiring collectors to obtain rare exceptions from the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) or Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR).
Authorized exceptions are rare, typically limited to museum displays or film props with prior PSP approval. Travelers carrying brass knuckles risk immediate detention, as customs (under Autoridade Tributária) enforce these rules strictly at borders. Non-residents face deportation if found in violation.